The high burden of disease and death relating to HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancies and poor maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) remain a major health challenge in Malawi, as is the case in most of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This is largely a result of a weak health system resulting in low demand for and utilisation of health care services. Malawi is a country with strong political will and a learning and cooperative culture for working with development partners and adopting proven lessons for improving health services.
Despite commendable efforts in improving delivery in the three areas, the burden of disease remains very high, pointing to the need to step up outreach and quality of care. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is currently investing in Malawi in MNCH, Family Planning (FP) and HIV/AIDS. The Foundation supports the Presidential Safe Motherhood Initiative, which integrates MNCH and FP. The Foundation also supports a programme to improve data systems related to HIV/AIDS and Family Planning.
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